Movies

bookrev: The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore

I’ve read most of Mr. Moore’s books, including Fluke and Lamb which I’d rate at the top. The Stupidest Angel isn’t his best, but it is still an enjoyable read.

Fan’s of other Christopher Moore novels will find familiar characters (including Tucker Case and Roberto the Fruitbat, my favs from The Island of the Sequined Love Nun) and new ones. Readers new to Mr. Moore’s work will enjoy the characters, as they try to keep up with the interestingly complicated storyline.

The storyline involves several misunderstanding and misinterpretations, starting with a child who thinks he saw Santa get hit on the head by a shovel (it wasn’t really Santa) and a none-too-bright Angel looking for something to fix who thinks he found it. It culminates with an excellent holiday party, where, as usual, imminent destruction by forces not necessarily natural is fought by our somewhat heroes (as his characters are always full of character flaws, even when heroes).

But I read Christopher Moore for the wit. Like the three word Chapter 16. And the great play on words.

I give it four stars because it isn’t Lamb, which is Mr. Moore’s greatest book. Unlike Lamb The Stupidest Angel’s plot sometimes goes somewhat into dead end alleys, and the characters aren’t as fleshed out as in Lamb. But it’s hard to compare any book to Lamb, which is one of the most laugh-out-loud books I’ve read.